Chappell: "I'm really enjoying my cricket"

Zak Chappell believes playing regularly in both T20 and first-class cricket is a major factor in his impressive form for Leicestershire CCC in recent weeks.

The fast-bowling all-rounder has been among the stand-out Foxes' performers with both white and red ball in recent weeks.

The 21-year-old has taken 16 wickets, as well as scoring 124 runs in just four innings, in the Specsavers County Championship matches against Northants, Middlesex and Kent, while also playing all six of County's Vitality Blast fixtures, picking up a further six wickets in the process.

“Game time is so important for me at this stage in my career, you can only learn so much in the nets, so being injury-free and playing consistently is fantastic,” said Chappell.

“It helps that things are going well, and it's good to feel I'm making a contribution. I'm really enjoying my cricket, and being with the lads in the first-team environment.

“Watching the likes of Muhammad Abbas and Ben Raine bowl is an education in itself, and with myself, Gavin Griffiths and Neil Dexter all going well, we're becoming quite an effective seam unit.”

That much is borne out by the fact Leicestershire have taken all 20 opposition wickets in five of their last six Specsavers County Championship matches, missing out only in the single-wicket defeat by Middlesex.

Working with Head Bowling Coach Matt Mason has helped Chappell add more consistent movement and accuracy to his pace, and being trusted to bowl in the pressure cooker atmosphere of Vitality Blast has added to his confidence.

“To be playing T20 as well as in the [Specsavers County] Championship really helps. I've not played any T20 before this season, and it's very different, with the noise and the crowds and people having a go at you, especially away from home, but I find that really gets me going.

“Winning our T20 matches at both Edgbaston and Trent Bridge was special, the boys were incredible, and people are starting to realise we're a force to be reckoned with this season.

“We have a lot of confidence and a belief we can beat anybody in the country, and having won ourselves some extra time off to rest and prepare by beating Kent in two days, we'll definitely be looking to put in a performance in front of our supporters in the T20 match against Derbyshire on Friday night.”

* See the Foxes in our next Vitality Blast home game against Derbyshire Falcons on Friday! The best value tickets are available in advance – a family ticket for 2 adults and 3 under 16s is available for £37 before 11.59pm on Thursday. Secure your seat today HERE